Biology Challenge Exam Information

The Biology Department Challenge Exam is designed to assess whether you have a good grasp of the basic principles of cell biology that form the foundation knowledge for more advanced biology courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Zoology, and Botany. This information is designed to help you prepare for the exam.

List of Contents:Brief Description of the ExamCourse DescriptionSample TextsCourse OutcomesSample SyllabusSelected Websites Related to the Material in the Course.

Here is a sample course description and the text and laboratory manual used by many members of the department.

Brief Description of ExamThe biology challenge exam is 90 multiple choice questions (90 points) and 2 essay questions (10 points). The essay portion of the exam includes one required essay question and a choice of 1 out of 4 other questions. A student must score a minimum of 70 points to pass. The exam is corrected by a member of the Biology Department, and it is returned with a score and the words Pass or Fail.

Course OutcomesThe department has developed a set of course outcomes to help students understand the intent of the course and the reason for various course activities and assessments (tests, papers, lab reports, etc.) These outcomes were accepted by a vote of the department. It will be helpful to consult these outcomes as you prepare for the test.

Scientific Method/ScienceDescribe the general steps of the scientific method and use these steps in solving problems, in order to understand how scientists think, distinguish between pseudoscience and real science, and evaluate scientific information in the popular press.

EvolutionExplain why evolution is the central theme in biology so that students can understand the unity and diversity of life

Chemistry/PhysicsDemonstrate knowledge of basic chemistry including the properties of atoms, ions, chemical bonding and chemical reactions to understand biologically important molecules and processes.Describe the role of biologically important molecules in order to understand the correlation between cell structure and function.

Cell StructureDistinguish between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, and identify and describe the structure and function of plant and animal cells and their organelles, in order to appreciate the unity and diversity of living things.Describe the structure of the plasma membrane and relate it to its functions in diffusion, transport, metabolism, and cell to cell interaction.

MetabolismExplain the principles of cellular respiration and photosynthesis so that the students understand energy flow in living systems.

ReproductionCompare and contrast mitosis and meiosis in order to understand the process of growth, reproduction and the importance of sexual reproduction to the evolution of the species.

GeneticsDemonstrate understanding of basic concepts in inheritance in order to solve simple genetic problems and recognize common misconceptions regarding human heredity.Describe the structure and replication of DNA and its role in protein synthesis in order to understand the chemical basis of genetics and the use of DNA in genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Laboratory SkillsTo work safely in the laboratory and follow simple laboratory protocols in order to work cooperatively to complete laboratory exercises and conduct experiments using the scientific method.To be able to use the microscope to observe cell structure and function in order to develop good technique in preparation for more advanced courses.To be able to perform simple mathematical calculations and construct and interpret graphs in order to record and communicate the results of experiments.

Study SkillsTo apply a study skills method to learning biology in order to improve success in an academically rigorous course.Strengthen Core Competencies in order to increase success in college courses and other courses in the workplace

Biological Principles - 31-121Sample Course Syllabus

Week of

Topic

Chapter

Lab Exercise

January 20

Introduction to LifeScientific MethodEvolution

1

No Tuesday class this week

January 27

Chemical Basis of Life

2

Measurement 1

February 3

Molecules of the Cell

3

Water W

February 10

Molecules of the Cell

3

Hydrogen IonConcentration HMolecularModels M

February 17

Exam IA Tour of the Cell

4

Molecular Models M

February 24

The Working Cell

5

Microscope and Cells2.1, 2.2, alternate 2.3, 2.5, Table 2.1

March 3

The Working Cell

5

Cells ctd. 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 3.4 and Human Epithelial Cells

March 10

How Cells Harvest Chemical EnergyExam II

6

Enzymes 6.1, 6.2, 6.3

March 16-22

Spring Recess (No classes)

March 24

How Cells Harvest Chemical Energy

6

Diffusion and Osmosis8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.8

March 31

Photosynthesis

7

Respiration11.1, 11.3

April 7

Mitosis MeiosisExam III

8

Photosynthesis12.1, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7

April 14

Patterns of Inheritance

9

Mitosis13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, Table 13.1

April 21

Molecular BiologyDNA ReplicationRNA

10

Meiosis of the Gene 14.1, Table 14.1Genetics ProblemsDNA Extraction

April 28

Molecular Biology of the Gene Protein Synthesis

10

No Lab - Preregistration

May 5

Exam IVControl of GeneExpressionDNA Technology

11,12

Protein Synthesis

Selected WebsitesYou certainly don't need to visit all of these sites, but they are listed here as a resource for you. Some are fairly elementary and some are more sophisticated. In some cases there are topic suggestions.

Animations and Illustrations - DNA, RNA, replication, transcription, translationThese sites show the structures and processes in varying degrees of detail and complexity. Try a few to find the one that is best for you.

A good overview but also a fair amount of detailSuggested choicesThe Energy Derived from Glucose OxidationThe Individual Reactions of GlycolysisAnaerobic GlycolysisThe Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (PDH) Complex - just the overviewOxidative PhosphorylationIntroductionComplexes of the Electron Transport Chain - the basicsOxidative Phosphorylation